Levels of individual carotenoids and tocopherols (vitamin E) were measured
in subjects with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) of the eyes and in
controls. Individuals with the lowest levels of the carotenoid lycopene (found
in tomatoes) were twice as likely to have ARMD. Serum antioxidants and
age-related macular degeneration in a population-based case-control study.
Mares-Perlman JA, Brady WE, Klein R et al: Arch Ophthalmol 113 (12):1518-23,
1995.
Eye health and dietary factors were compared in 976 subjects. Despite the
fact that none of the participants had any clinical nutritional deficiencies,
high dietary vitamin E consumption (from food, not supplements) was associated
with a protective effect against age-related macular degeneration, and vitamin
C and beta-carotene were also protective. West S et al: Are antioxidants or
supplements protective for age-related macular degeneration? Arch Ophthalmol
112(2):222-7, 1994.
Dietary factors and eye health were compared in 1968 subjects aged 43 to
86. Those with the highest zinc consumption from foods had a lower risk of
age-related macular degeneration. Mares-Perlman JA et al: Association of zinc
and antioxidant nutrients with age-related maculopathy. Arch Ophthalmol
114(8):991-7, 1996.
Carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins may help to retard some of the
destructive processes in the retina that lead to age-related macular
degeneration. Snodderly DM: Evidence for protection against age-related
macular degeneration by carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins. Am J Clin Nutr
62(6 Suppl):1448S-1461S, 1995.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, a group of patients suffering
from macular degeneration experienced significantly less visual loss after
receiving zinc supplementation than a control group. Newsome DA et al: Oral
zinc in macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol 106(2):192-8, 1988.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial the herb Ginkgo biloba or a
placebo was given to 10 patients with macular degeneration. A statistically
significant improvement in long-distance visual acuity was observed after
treatment with Gingko biloba. Lebuisson DA et al: Treatment of senile macular
degeneration with Ginkgo biloba extract. A preliminary double-blind drug vs.
placebo study (in French). Presse Med 15(31):1556-8, 1986.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, zinc supplements or
placebo were given to 151 patients with drusen (white eye deposits) or macular
degeneration. The zinc group experienced significantly less visual loss than the
placebo group after a follow-up of 12 to 24 months. Newsome DA et al: Oral zinc
in macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol 106(2):192-8, 1988.
